[rwhite692]

For the types of things you will likely want to make for your car projects, you will want to get yourself a TIG. And practice, practice, practice. You don't need to have the latest greatest inverter machine. You can usually find decent used miller Syncrowaves for around a grand if you are patient.

Mig welding aluminum with a spool gun is intended mostly for "production" welding on things like aluminum boats, trailers, grandstands, awnings, etc where finished appearance is not a main concern and all that is required is good weld integrity and where weld cleanup and a little sanding may be acceptable to make the appearance "presentable" but that's about it. Welding aluminum requires tight control of the process and you will be challenged to weld even material as thin as 1/16 with a spool gun.